One of many Rhaphium species with enlarged 3rd antennal segment. In R. appendiculatum, the arista is very short - no longer than one eighth the length of the third segment. The genital lamella is long and ribbon-like.

Rhaphium caliginosum has a longer arista, over half the length of the 3rd segment.

Males

• hind coxa with 1 erect bristle
• face (between eyes) white
• frons undusted and shining metallic
• abdomen all dark and metallic
• hind tibia dark
• genital lamellae thin and finger-like with pencil of pale fine bristles

Fenlands, humid grassland, humid coniferous woodland

April to September, peaking in June.

Common in England and Wales. More scattered distribution in Scotland.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known. Probably under-recorded.